Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. For example when you are taking an important test or performing the presence of a large audience. But if these feelings persist for a prolonged period or impede your daily activities, you might have an anxiety disorder.
Fortunately, anxiety and depression are both common disorders that can be treated using psychotherapy, medication or both.
Depression
The feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that are typical of depression may look like the constant worry that's commonly associated with anxiety. It can be difficult to determine which illness is causing someone's problems. Depression usually triggers extreme sadness or helplessness, irritability changes in energy and sleeping patterns, and unexplained discomforts and pains. It also causes a loss of interest in or enjoyment from previously enjoyable activities. In some cases, these symptoms may cause thoughts of self-harm or a suicide attempt. If anyone is contemplating self-harming call 911 or the local emergency number in your region, or text TALK to 741741 and connect with an experienced crisis counselor right away.
If you're experiencing depression, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They may refer to a therapist that can help. If your symptoms are severe, your physician may also request urine, blood, or other tests to determine if there is a medical condition that could trigger depression-like symptoms, like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
Depression isn't a guarantee from happening but you can lower the risk of developing it by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, and engaging in creative activities or relaxing frequently. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking is essential, too.
Depression symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors including stressful events or losses, such as the loss of a loved one or divorce, or the loss of your job. It could also be a result of medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease or to supplements or medications.
The person may be able to recover through psychological counseling (therapy), medication, such as antidepressants, or the combination of both. If someone is depressed they can also learn ways to cope with their symptoms. To boost their feeling of accomplishment, they could attempt to be social, try relaxation techniques, or complete small tasks (such emptying the dishwasher). They could also remind them that these feelings are not permanent and are not their responsibility. They are trying to improve mood.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can be as crippling and debilitating as depression. People often experience both. Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults in the U.S., and are the most common mental illness. Anxiety disorders can cause people to worry more than usual about life events and activities. The anxiety and fears of someone suffering from anxiety disorder may be unrelated to the circumstances and can last for months.
There are many kinds of anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias, which involve fear of a particular thing, such as animals or insects; panic disorder, characterized by frequent episodes of intense anxiety and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks); obsessive-compulsive disorder, which involves unwanted thoughts or impulses that prompt people to repeat the same actions over and over again in order to cope with them. Post traumatic stress disorder, which describes the variety of emotional reactions after a traumatic event that includes distressing memories, flashbacks sleeplessness and nightmares.
While the precise causes of anxiety disorders remain unknown but there is evidence to suggest that certain experiences in life could cause them in people who are predisposed. Genetics, environment and lifestyle also play a part. Occasionally feeling down or sad is normal for all of us, but if it becomes persistent and interferes with daily functioning you should seek assistance from a medical professional.
Anxiety symptoms can include a quick pulse, fearful feelings or unreality, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and headaches. Anxiety can cause people to have trouble sleeping, and they may be angry or irritable. Children may be introverted and unable to connect with others.
Symptoms of anxiety and depression can be relieved with physical activity and healthy eating habits. regular rest and relaxation methods and medications. Psychotherapy, which includes psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy, is a key component in treating both anxiety and depression. Therapies that target specific anxiety issues can be beneficial for those with anxiety, like Systematic Desensitization Therapy and Exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing yourself to situations you're scared of in a supportive setting.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat anxiety and depression that include medication and psychotherapy (talk therapies). Talk therapy can help you control your emotions, and find the root of your feelings. They include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy. Other types of psychotherapy, like interpersonal therapy or exposure therapy, can also prove beneficial. The use of medications can bring immediate relief and help you learn to cope with anxiety-inducing situations more effectively. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, however other medications are available in addition. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, your medical history and any other treatments you are undergoing to determine which one is the best for you. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you're taking such as herbal supplements and vitamins since they may affect your treatment.
For people with both depression and anxiety it is important to determine which areas of their lives are causing stress and work to minimize the impact those stresses have on your mood. Changing unhealthy eating and sleeping habits, regularly exercising, spending time with family and friends, avoiding alcohol and drugs and getting enough sleep, changing your reaction to stressful situations and figuring out ways to decrease your anxiety can all help ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Depression can cause you to feel depressed and down, making it hard to focus on the things that bring you joy or to believe that life is a mission. This is particularly true in young people. They may feel tired, angry, or angry often and may not be able to recognize that they are depressed. Depression can also manifest as feeling of fatigue and inability to think clearly or concentrate and suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety disorders can be characterized by worries and fears that transcend the normal worries of daily life, like work, health or relationships. In addition to physical and emotional symptoms, anxiety disorders can also cause other problems such as headaches, muscle tension, indigestion, sweating, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
Your doctor will perform physical examination and ask you to describe your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They may also recommend tests on your lab to check for underlying health issues that could be causing your symptoms like low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, or anemia.
Support
It is difficult to differentiate between anxiety and depression since their symptoms often overlap. Both disorders are characterized by irritability, difficulty concentrating or remembering, unexplained pains and aches, as well as changes in energy and sleep patterns. The negative, all-or-nothing thought patterns that characterize depression also can cause or exacerbate anxiety. A person who is depressed may also be anxious about their future and believe that no matter what happens is bad. This is a typical combination called comorbidity, which means that more than one disease or condition is present at the same time in the same person.
Depression and anxiety are both treatable. Symptoms of both can improve through psychological counseling (psychotherapy), medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Psychological therapies that focus on transforming unhelpful patterns of thinking and coping skills, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic talk therapy, may be used along with antidepressant drugs. Lifestyle changes that help manage depression and anxiety include getting enough rest and eating better as well as reducing alcohol or substance use, and exercising.
If you know someone who appears to be suffering from anxiety or depression Try to be supportive. Encourage them to seek help and remind them of the people who take care of them. Giving them direct help for example, helping with chores, accompanying them to appointments with a doctor or taking them to social activities is a great way to help. Encourage them to try new things that may help them feel better. Also try to help them find a their purpose by interacting with other people or volunteering.
You can identify the signs of depression and anxiety by learning about the signs of depression and anxiety. Being aware that these disorders have biological vulnerabilities and can be treated, it can help promote self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame and guilt. Visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for additional resources or ask your doctor to recommend you to a mental health professional who specializes on anxiety and/or depressive disorders. depression and symptoms can also meet support groups in person or online. Be aware that anxiety and depression aren't signs of weakening They're a sign you need to get assistance!